Bow and tacking strip assembly



Jan 23, 1951 ZUMMACH 2,538,931

BOW AND TACKING STRIP ASSEMBLY Filed Nov. 20, 1948 5 10/6 all INVENTOR. fir] QZaxrnrzaci.

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FTTa/WVEX ?a'tented Jan. 23, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE BOW AND TACKING STRIP A SSEIWBLY Karl G. Zummach, Detroit, Mich, assignor to Briggs Manufacturing Company, Detroit, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Application November 20, 1948, Serial No. 61,240

9 Claims. (01. 295-118) :The-present invention relates to vehicle bodies and more particularly to improvements in the transverse bow construction of the folding or collapsible top of the so-called convertible type automobile and to improved means for securing the fabric or other flexible covering material of the top to the transverse bow.

1 Ithas been customary prior to the present invention to support the fabric or flexible covering material of the conventional convertible type automobile top by means of, a plurality of spaced transverse bows suitably supported at their downwardly bowed ends by the side rails or links of the folding top structure. Such bows are provided with longitudinally extending upward opening' channel which receive a packing of felt or like material for engaging and supporting the flexible cover material in the raised position, or which receive tough fibrous tacking strips to .which the flexible cover material is secured by tacks or staples.

A difficulty commonly experienced in the use of such channel bow constructions has been the eventual loosening of the packing or tacking strip and the displacement thereof from the retaining channelin the course of operation of the 1 convertible top. Accordingly, the problem of providing a simple, eficient, and economically manufactured and installed means for retaining the packing or tacking strips in place within the channels therefor has long confronted the art.

A primary object of the present invention is to overcome the foregoing difiiculty by providing an improved channel type transverse bow and means cooperable therewith for efficiently retaining the packing or tacking strips within the channels.

Another important object is to provide an improved transversebow construction and cooper able strip retaining means of the foregoing character which are simple in construction, highly efiicient in operation, and economically manufactured and installed.

Another and more specific object of the present invention is to provide an improved transverse bow construction having an I upward opening channel running longitudinally of the-bow and having formed channel sides adapted to interlock with formed clipsinsertable into the open channel'mouth, the transverse bow being adapted for economical manufacture in accordance with conventional practice and the clips being adapted for economical fabrication from bar or wire stock by conventional wire bending machinery, forexample.

'pther objects 2 the followin description and appended claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference charactersdesignate corresponding parts in the several views.

The above and other objects are accomplished in a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprising a transverse top bow having an upward opening, channel extending essentially the length of the bow with a generally U-shaped transverse cross-section and undercut interior sides. A plurality of generally U-shaped retaining clips shaped to conform substantially to the interior cross-sectional contour of the channel are inserted into the channel at intervals spaced longitudinallyof the bow so as to interlock with the undercut channel sides and resist upward displacement therefrom. As will be apparent from the following, the retaining clips may be formed in various Ways, either from rigid or resilient material, and may be readily inserted into the channel of the bow from above upon turning the U-plane of the clip at an angle to a plane normal to thelongitudinal axis or length of the bow if the clip is of rigid material, or by suitably flexing the clip if it is of resilient material. Upon insertion of each clip into. the channel, the clip is arranged: with. its U-plane transverse to the length of the bow if the clip is of rigid material,

or released from its flexed condition if the clip is from movement longitudinally of the bow. Ac-

cordingly, upon insertion of the packing, the clips become embedded into the latter and may not be readily turned angularly within the channel, or flexed, and released from their interlocking engagement with the channel sides. Thus the clips will be locked within the channel of the bow.

"The upper ends of each clip at the U-mouth thereof preferably extend sufficiently above the mouth of the channel when the clips are inter locked therein, so as to provide end portions which may be bent toward each other and tightly of this invention will appear in dow-nward-on the upper surfaces of the pack- 3 ing within the channel, thereby providing simple and eflicient means for permanently retaining the packing within the channel therefor.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated by way of example in the drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary side elevation, partly broken away, of a collapsible or foldable top for a vehicle body and employing transverse bows and retaining clips constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse section through one of the transverse bows, taken in the direction of the arrows substantially along the line 22 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an exploded section showing the retaining clip and packing of Fig. 2 prior totheir insertion into the channel of the bow.

Fig. 4 is an isometric view of one of the re:- taining clips embodying the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a sectional View similar to Fig. 2, but showing a modified form of the present inven tion.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the clip shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. '7 is a side elevation of the clip shown in Figs. 5 and 6, taken perpendicularly to the U-face thereof.

Before explaining the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since-the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1-4, a convertible vehicle body A is shown with a collapsible or foldable top structure B adapted to be folded into a compartment, not shown, located at the rear of the body A. The folding construction of the top B forms no part of the present invention and is accordingly not described in detail herein.

In accordance with conventional practice, the

central portions of the flexible fabric or cover material I of the top B are supported by a plurality of transverse top bows, two bows indicated generally by the numerals I2 and I4 being shown in the present instance and being suitably secured at their downwardly bowed ends to the upright legs I3 and I respectively of the foldable top structure B, being thereby operatively supported so as to maintain the flexible cover portion I0 taut when in the raised or unfolded posi tion.

With the exception of minor structural details, the transverse bows I2 and I4 are similar, so that a discussion of one will suffice for both. As indicated in Figs. 2 and 3, the bow I4 is formed with a longitudinally extending upward opening, channel having a base IB arched transversely of the length of the bow for. structural reinforcement and also having generally upright lateral sides I8 undercut at on the interior of the channel to permit a strip of packing material 22 to be inserted within the channel and anchored therein.

The bows I2 and I4 may be formed in any suitable manner, as for example from extruded metal channel strips, or from rolled sheet steel. The bow supporting legs I3 and I5 fit within the downward curved ends of the channelsof the bows I2 and I4 respectively and are suitably secured thereto, as by rivets for example. The inserted packing strip 22 projects somewhat above the upper edges of the sides I8 for supporting engagement with the flexible covering I0. The packing strips 22 may be formed of customary materials, as for example felt or the like to prevent chafing of the flexible covering I0 on the bows I2 and I4 or of tough fibrous tacking material to which the covering I0 may be suitably tacked or stapled in accordance with conventional practice.

In order to prevent dislodgement of the inserted packing 22, the present invention provides a plurality of metal clips indicated generan by 24 and formed preferably from bar or wire stock so as to fit into the channels of the bows I2 and I4 in the manner described hereinafter. As indicated in Figs. 3 and 4, each clip 24 is generally U-shaped, having an arcuate base 26 adapted to conform generally to the arcuate channel base 16 and also having upright .arms .28 curved inwardly at 30 so as to conform generally to the undercut channel sides I8.

In the assembled position, with the plane of the U-face of the clip 24 transverse to the length of the bow I4 and with the clip base 26 and sides 28 adjacent the channel base I6 and sides I8, the lower lateral portions of the clip 24 will fit into the undercut or recessed portions 20 of the bow I4, and the upper side portions of the bow I4 will fit into the inwardly bent clip portions 30, Fig. 2. Accordingly, the clip 24 will be anchored within the channel with the clip arms 28 interlocked with the channel sides I8 against outward or vertical displacement.

In application of the present invention, a plurality of the clips 24 are inserted into the channel of the bow I4 at longitudinally spaced intervals prior to insertion of the packing 22. This is readily accomplished by turning the plane of the U-face of each clip 24 obliquelywith respect to a transverse plane through the bow I4. Thereafter, the plane'of the U-face of each inserted clip 24 is turned to the transverse position shown in Fig. 2, whereat the clip 24 is locked against vertical displacement. At this stage, the clip arms 28 extendgenerally upright from the channel as indicated in phantom, Fig. 2. The packing strip 22 is then pressed firmly into the channel substantially throughout its length and between the arms 28 of each clip 24, snugly against the body portions of the latter within the channel. Thereafter, the extending upper portions of the arms 28 are benttoward each other firmly against the upper surface of the packing 22 to the final position shown in Fig. 2, locking the packing 22 within the channel.

It is apparent that with the packing 22 i place, the clips 24 will be embedded into the i. e. the clips 24 cannot be readily turned to the oblique position required to avoid the interlocking engagement between the arms 28 and channel sides I-B. Thus the clips 24 and strips 22 will be permanently locked within the channel against displacement during the normal course of operation of the convertible top B.

A modification of the clip 24- is shown by way of example in Figs, 5-7 and comprises a clip indicated generally by the numeral 32 Fig. 6, which is preferably formed from resilient wire stock. The clip 3-2 -has a generally U-shaped transverse section, Fig. 5, adapted to conform to the interior contour of the channel of a bow I2 the corresponding ends of the base portions 3.4

on one side of the U-clip 32. Similarly, the legs 38b of the M-portion 36b extend generall up-. right from the opposite corresponding ends of each base member 34 on the other side of the U- clip 32. Since each clip 32 is preferably formed from a single length of wire stock having two terminals la, the central dip or body of the lateral M-portion 36a will be open, whereas the body or central dip of the lateral M-portion 361) will complete a continuous loop 401). This latter. feature is not critical to this present invention, since convoluted side portions of other shapes may be utilized if desired in place of the M-portions 36a, 351) shown.

Similarly to the inwardly bent portions 30 of the clip 24, the lateral M-portions 38a and 36b are bent at 42a and 42b respectively to conform to the undercut channel sides I8 in the manner of the clip 24. Thus the clips 32, when assembledwithin the channel as shown in Fig. 5, with the base portions 34 transverse to the length of the bow l4 and resting on the channel base It, and with the lateral M-portions 36a and 36b adjacent the channel sides 18, the lower lateral portions of the clip 32 will fit into the undercut or recessed portions 20, and the upper side portions of the bow I4 will fit into the adjacent inwardly bent cli portions 42a and 421). Accordingly the clip 32 will be anchored within the channel with the lateral M-portions 36a and 33b interlocked with the channel sides l8 against vertical displacement.

The application of the clips 32 is likewise similar to that of the clips 24. A plurality of clips 32 are inserted into the channel of the bow H3 at longitudinally spaced intervals prior to insertion of-the packing 22. This is readily accomplished b pressing diagonally opposed ends of "the base portions 34 of each clip 32 toward each other so,

as to narrow the transverse width of the latter. sufficiently to clear the narrowed channel mouth I of the bow l4. Thereafter, the clip 32 is released to resume its unfiexed shape, Fig. 5, by virtueof its inherent resiliency. At this stage, the upper portions of the lateral M-portions 36a and 36b extend generally upright from the channel as indicated in Fig. 5. The packing strip 22 is then pressed firmly into the channel accordin to conventional practice and snugly against the body portions of the clips 32. Thereafter, the extending upper portions of the lateral M-portions 36a and 36b are bent toward each other and firmly against the upper surface of the packing 22 to the final position indicated in phantom, Fig. 5, locking the packing 22 within the channel.

It is apparent that with the packing 22 in place, the clips 32 will be restrained against accidental displacement from their interlocking engagement with the channel sides l8, i. e., the packing 22 with the clips 32 embedded therein will restrain the clips 32 against distortion to the flexed position required for insertion or removal thereof into or out of the channel. Thus the clips 32 and strip 22 are locked against displacement from the channel during the normal course of operation of the convertible top B.

6 1. I claim: 1. In a foldable top for a vehicle body, a trans verse bow having an upward opening channel extending longitudinally of the bow for the reception of a packing strip, the sides of said channel having longitudinally extending lateral recesses at the junctures thereof with the base .of-the channel, and a plurality of upward opening generall U-shaped retaining clips insertable into said channel prior to insertion of said packing strip and having outwardly converging side portions adapted to interlock with said lateral recesses, said clips having portions adapted-to be bent over said packing strip to retain the same within the channel when said clips and packing strip are inserted within the channel between said converging side portions.

2. In a foldable top for a vehicle body, a transverse bow having an upward opening channel extending longitudinally of-the bow for the reception of a packing strip, a plurality of upward opening generally U-shaped retaining clips fitting within said channel at longitudinally spaced locations and being shaped to conform generally to the transverse interior contour of the channel, said clips and the sidewalls of said channel having interengaging portions adapted to resist out-- ward displacement of said clips from said channel, each clip being insertable into said channel prior to insertion of said packing strip and being adapted to be turned with its U-section transversely of the channel to effect interlocking engagement with the sidewalls of the channel, and a packing strip within the channel forced intoposition between the sides of each clip thereby to embed said sides in the strip and anchor the clip wihin the channel against movement, said clips also having portions bent firmly against the upper portions of said packing stri for retaining the same within said channel.

3. In a foldable top for a vehicle body, a transverse bow having an upward opening channel extending longitudinally of the bow for the re' ception of a packing strip, the sides of said channel having longitudinally extending lateral recesses, a plurality of retaining clips inserted within said channel and each clip having lateral. portions received within said recesses for inter-. locking with said channel sides against outwarddisplacement, each clip being adapted to be inserted obliquely into said channel prior to insertion of said packing strip and being adapted to be turned thereafter to said interlocking position, and a packing strip within said channel and packed firmly against said clips to resist movement of the latter from their interlocking positions within the channel, said clips also having portions bent firmly against the upper portions of said packing strips for retaining the same within said channel.

4. In a foldable top for a Vehicle body, a transverse bow having an upward opening channel extending longitudinally of the bow for the reception of a packing strip, a plurality of generally U-shaped retaining clips insertable into said channel at longitudinally spaced locations and each being formed of resilient material including a pair of base portions and pairs of generally upright sides, said bow and clips having interengaging portions adapted to resist outward displacement of said clips from the channel, said resilient clips being insertable into said channel prior to insertion of the packing strip upon springing said clip base portions obliquely with respect to their normal transverse positions with.

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the clips and anchored thereto against movement 1 Within the channel.

5. In a foldable top for a vehicle body,. a.transverse bow having an upward opening channel ex.-- tending longitudinally of the bow for. the reception of a packing strip, a: plurality of generally U-shaped retaining clips .within said. channel at longitudinally spaced locations and each being. formed of resilient material including. a pair. of spaced. base portions extending transversely of saidchannel and pairs of generally upright side portions, said bow and clips having interengaging. portions adapted to resist outward: displacement ofsaid clips from the. channehsaid resilientclips being insertable into said. channel prior to insertion. of the packing; strip upon springing said clip base portions obliquely with respect to their normal transverse position within said portions bent firmly" 6-. In a vehicle body, a. supporting. channel member adapted to receive a packing strip? and comprising; a. base terminating inside. walls having the inner surfaces thereof. extending; outwardly from the base in: converging relation,. 2;. generally U-shaped retaining clip. having a. base terminating in. outwardly converging side. portions, said clip being insertable into; the channelmember prior to insertion of. said. packing strip. and being adapted to. be turned into position. transversely of the. channel. member: to effect interlocking engagement between. the converging, side portions of the clip andthe converging: side. wall surfaces of the channel member, and a packing strip forced into the channel to wedge the same between said converging side portions. of the clip.

'7. In. avehicle body, a supporting channel member adapted to, receive a packing strip and comprisingja base terminating inside. walls having the inner surfaces thereof extending outwardly from the base in converging relation, a. generally U-shaped retaining. clip havingaibas'e: terminating in outwardly converging side portions, said clip. being insertable into the channet member prior to insertion of said packing strip. andbeing adapted to be turned into posi-' tion transversely of the channel member to efiec't interlocking" engagement between the converging. side portions of theclip and the converging side wall surfaces of the channel membenand a pack-' 1 ing strip forced into the channel to wedge the same between said converging side portions of the clip, said clip having side portions projecting outwardly of said converging side portions and adapted to be bent over the outer side of the" packing stript 8. In. a. vehicle body,. achannel member having abase terminating. in side walls undercut at'op-.

posite sides adjacent the base, a generally U- shaped retaining clip having a base terminating in outwardly converging side portions,. saidclip"; being insertable into the channel member and: J

turned into: position transversely thereofto inter lock said converging side portions and the under cut portions-of the channel member, and a pack-'- ing strip wedged into position between said con"" verging side portions.

9. In a vehicle b0dy,-ar channel member having a base-terminating in side walls undercut at opposite sides adjacent the base, agenerally U- shaped retaining clip having a base terminating" in outwardly converging side portions, said clip being insertable into the channel member and" turned. into position transversely thereof to in- I terlock said converging side portions andthe undercut portions of the channel member,' and apacking strip wedged into position between said: converging sideportionsand anchored within the channel member by the upper ends of the side portions of the clip bent over the outer side of the packing strip.

KARL G. ZUMMACI-I.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the" file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Reid .Nov. 22, 19'38 

